La Liga Schedule and Results This Week: Matchday Preview
Another matchday in La Liga is here, and there are some massive games on the schedule. Here's the complete rundown of this week's fixtures, where to watch, and what to look for.
Saturday fixtures
1:00 PM CET — Celta Vigo vs. Girona (ESPN+)
Two mid-table teams with nothing to play for except pride. Girona's fairy tale from last season has faded, and they're back to being a solid but unspectacular mid-table team. Celta have been inconsistent all season. This could be an open, entertaining game.
4:15 PM CET — Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Sociedad (ESPN+)
The Basque derby. This is one of the most intense rivalries in Spanish football — the atmosphere at San Mamés will be incredible. Athletic are fighting for the top 4, and Real Sociedad are trying to stay in the European places. Nico Williams vs. the Sociedad defense is the key matchup.
6:30 PM CET — Barcelona vs. Getafe (ESPN+/ESPN)
Barcelona should win this comfortably, but Getafe are the most annoying team in La Liga. They foul constantly, they waste time, and they make every game ugly. Barcelona's patience will be tested. Lewandowski should score, but it won't be pretty.
9:00 PM CET — Real Madrid vs. Real Betis (ESPN+)
The late kickoff at the Bernabéu. Real Madrid need to win to keep pace with Barcelona. Betis are a good team — they play attractive football and have enough quality to cause problems. Vinícius vs. the Betis defense will be entertaining.
Sunday fixtures
1:00 PM CET — Mallorca vs. Rayo Vallecano (ESPN+)
A relegation-adjacent battle. Both teams are safe for now, but a bad run of results could drag either of them into trouble. Mallorca's home form has been decent, and they should edge this one.
4:15 PM CET — Atletico Madrid vs. Villarreal (ESPN+)
A big game for both teams. Atletico need to win to stay in the title race, and Villarreal are fighting for a European spot. Simeone's defensive approach vs. Villarreal's attacking football — it's a classic tactical battle.
6:30 PM CET — Valencia vs. Sevilla (ESPN+)
Two historic clubs having difficult seasons. Valencia are in the bottom half, and Sevilla are struggling to find consistency. This is a game that both teams need to win for different reasons.
Game of the week
Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Sociedad. The Basque derby is always special — the passion, the atmosphere, and the quality on the pitch make it one of the best fixtures in La Liga. If you can only watch one game this weekend, make it this one.
How to watch in the USA
All La Liga games are available on ESPN+ ($11.99/month). Select games are also on ESPN or ESPN2. The Saturday late kickoff (9:00 PM CET / 3:00 PM ET) is usually the featured game and is most likely to be on linear TV.